The East Central Council of Local Governments (ECCOG) was created in the early 1970's as a voluntary association of county commissioners, mayors and town council members in Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties, who joined hands to keep governmental decision-making at the local level. ECCOG is not another layer of government; there are no COG program or activities undertaken without first obtaining the advice from a variety of citizen advisory groups and from the local governments, nor without formal approval of the governing board. ECCOG has no taxing authority.

Originally, ECCOG's eight-member governing board consisted of county commissioners and municipal elected officials from the four counties. In 2009, however, the region was designated an Economic Development Commission, and the governing board was expanded to include economic development interests. The thirteen-member board now includes five private sector and stakeholder representative, as well as the local government representatives.

The local governments, economic development and other public sector members believe in working together to address issues affecting east central Colorado that one county alone...or one municipality alone...does not have the resources to address. The population in east central Colorado is sparse, and each local government's voice is very small amid the clamor at the Statehouse. But the combined voices of four counties and 15 municipalities is much louder, and our concerns have been heard in Denver because they are the concerns of 101 elected officials represent-ing more than 30,000 people in an 8,000 square-mile area.

ECCOG's activities are extremely varied because its needs are those of the entire regional community. Primarily, ECCOG promotes rural development by taking the lead role in coordinating area economic development group efforts with statewide efforts, by directing regional solutions toward multi-jurisdictional needs and by leading the region's heritage tourism marketing efforts.. ECCOG acts as this region's Area Agency on Aging, helping to fund senior citizens' programs, and ECCOG is "The Outback Express," the region's coordinated public transit system open to regional residents of all ages. Lastly, ECCOG provides technical assistance and grantsmanship to the local governments in the region.

The east central plains of Colorado have a lot to offer families and individuals wishing to live here...if they can just be provided with jobs. Clean air, open spaces, and an unpressured, traditional way of life in communities where neighbors are still important all contribute to a lifestyle that is attractive to all ages.

John Shipper, former Elbert County Commissioner, recently retired from the ECCOG Board of Directors after many years of distinguished service to the Community, County and the Region. John is shown recieving a Plaque of Appreciation from

Steve Burgess, former Lincoln County Commissioner, recently retired from the ECCOG Board of Directors after many years of distinguished service to the Community, County and the Region. Steve is shown recieving a Plaque of Appreciation from

Rayetta Palmer, former Cheyenne Wells Trustee, recently retired from the ECCOG Board of Directors after many years of

service to the Community, County and Region. Rayetta is shown recieving a Plaque of Appreciation from

Del Beattie, Mayor of Limon, recently retired from the ECCOG Board of Directors after many years of

service to the Community, County and Region. Del is shown recieving a Plaque of Appreciation from

Rayetta Palmer, current ECCOG Board Chair. (January 2011)

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